Thundercloud Project: Citizen Science Observation Campaign of High-Energy Atmospheric Phenomena from Lightning and Thunderstorms in Japan

Abstract:

We frequently observe high-energy radiation phenomena from low-altitude thunderstorms, and powerful lightning discharges in the coastal area along the Sea of Japan in winter. The Gamma-Ray Observation of Winter THunderclouds (GROWTH) collaboration has measured minute-long gamma-ray glows from thunderstorms and photonuclear reactions from lightning discharges. We are expanding this project to a multi-point observation campaign at Kanazawa, one of the historical and central cities in the northern area of Japan, and deploying ground-based portable radiation detectors to cover a 10 km square area of this city. To ensure enough observation sites, we organized this campaign as a citizen science framework, named "Thundercloud Project", supported by citizen supporters who can provide their yards as observation sites. We also developed a new portable and easily-handled radiation monitor called "CoGaMo (Compact Gamma-ray Monitor; abbreviation is the Japanese name of small duck seen in this area)." In 2020, we will deploy about 50 CoGaMo detectors in this area, further coordinating simultaneous radio coverage for lightning discharges. At this presentation, we will review our citizen science program with early results of detected events and introduce our campaign design.